A FABERGÉ SILVER-GILT AND ENAMEL TIMEPIECE, WORKMASTER MICHAEL PERCHIN, ST PETERSBURG, 1899-1903 |

circular, the surface enamelled in translucent pink over sunburst engine-turning and applied with painted gold foil leaf and berry sprigs, the border of bound leaf tips, seed pearl bezel, white enamel dial, ivory back, scroll strut, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 88 standard, scratched inventory number 6418, in original Fabergé wood box

Mary, Duchess of Hamilton (1854-1934) Mary, Duchess of Montrose (1884-1957)

Thence by descent

The clock is in overall excellent condition. The enamel surface is in near perfect order, with only tiny firing flaws and a faint scratch. There is wear to the gilding. There is a small chip to the inside edge of the glass approx 4mm long. The mechanism does not tick when wound, and Sotheby's does not guarantee the mechanism. The silver could do with a professional cleaning.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lady Mary Montagu was the eldest daughter of the 7th Duke of Manchester.  She married, in 1873, William Douglas-Hamilton, the 12th Duke of Hamilton.  The couple had one child, a daughter, also called Mary, who married James Graham, later the 6th Duke of Montrose, in 1906.  They had four children.  The painted gold foil, or paillon, sprigs call to mind the Gatchina Palace Imperial Easter Egg of 1901, now at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, USA.  Also by Perchin, the egg is decorated with green, red and brown-painted paillons of ribbons, foliate swags and trophies of the Arts and Sciences.  This complex technique involves applying the gold foil to the top layer of enamel before re-firing it with the final clear sealing layer, or fondant.